Page 4 | Hand hold please

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 20:34

SoMauveMonty · 30/04/2025 16:49

I spent about 3 years getting slowly more and more bogged down by symptoms until i was in quite a dark place. I was determined, initially, that i didn't want HRT and would just hippy the shit out of the menopause instead😂I took black cohosh, herbal teas, various other supplements, completely reworked my diet....but the hot flushes - ha! flushes my arse, I felt like my skin was on fire several times a day - just increased, i had insomnia, low mood.....I kept thinking it would get better, but it didn't.

I went to see my GP about something else & she asked me how i was otherwise, and it all came out in a bit of a flood. She suggested a low dose of HRT, and see how I got on. It took about a month, I didn't suddenly feel better overnight, but about 4 weeks in i realised I felt calmer, rested and generally more upbeat.

Please do consider it, OP. No woman should have to suffer such debilitating symptoms these days.

Hi, thank you for your kind words and support. I am glad to hear you are feeling better now after trying HRT. I eill give it a go xx

OP posts:

MyDreamyRoseOrca · 30/04/2025 20:36

Hi OP. Sorry to hear you are struggling. I am on HRT. Took a while to find what worked for me. I’m on the patch now. It’s definitely helping. No one gets a medal for suffering is what the gynaecologist told me. And she was right. Please get help because you don’t have to suffer. We live in an age where there is help available. Good luck x

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 20:53

MyDreamyRoseOrca · 30/04/2025 20:36

Hi OP. Sorry to hear you are struggling. I am on HRT. Took a while to find what worked for me. I’m on the patch now. It’s definitely helping. No one gets a medal for suffering is what the gynaecologist told me. And she was right. Please get help because you don’t have to suffer. We live in an age where there is help available. Good luck x

Thank you for your kind words and support 🙏 I'm glad you are feeling better now 🙏
Did you gain weight with using HRT? xx

OP posts:

MyDreamyRoseOrca · 30/04/2025 21:00

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 20:53

Thank you for your kind words and support 🙏 I'm glad you are feeling better now 🙏
Did you gain weight with using HRT? xx

Show quote history

I didn’t. I think it actually prevented me from getting the famous apple shape. Full disclosure I did lose weight on mounjaro. I noticed in perimenopause I couldn’t shift the weight so I did that. I am a slim build and just felt unhappy so this did work. But no the HRT hasn’t made me gain weight. And even if it does, not being on it and suffering as a result doesn't weigh up to a few pounds. If that’s what you’re scared off then read up on the many benefits you’ll get from it. You’ll be fine. There’s no need ti go through all this and feel the way you do.

GlitchStitch · 30/04/2025 21:07

I can't advise on HRT. However I really struggled with anxiety, OCD and intrusive thoughts. I tried various antidepressants and the only one that has worked for me is venlafaxine. It has literally given me my life back. Might be worth discussing with your GP.

Pigsears · 30/04/2025 21:17

When you feel anxious, what normally helps? Cause do that alongside suggestions for HRT.

For me, cold shower, walk outside, texting a friend, tidying something (a drawer- nothing too big as I get overwhelmed..)

I use the patches. I'm happy with them - for me they help with hot flushes.

NamechangeJunebaby · 30/04/2025 21:31

NewPlumCat · 29/04/2025 22:35

Thank you. But some ladies are saying they've tried HRT and ut hasn't helped them with the anxiety x

Show quote history

You won’t know unless you try it. Please do try - it’s low risk nowadays for most people. The dr will start you on what they think is the best dose. They can increase it if needed. It really helped me and I increased my citaloptam dose at the same time and it really did work wonders. Persevere - within three - four weeks I felt like a different person. I had no hot flushes, but the anxiety and brain fog was through the roof and I was suicidal. I’d been through MP and was actually post menopausal and it explained why my life had been such a shit show for the previous 7 years. And the insomnia was wearing me down.

Just try it and see how you feel after a few weeks.

NamechangeJunebaby · 30/04/2025 21:38

cleowasmycat · 30/04/2025 00:11

Your Gp is out of date and is scaremongering.
I’ve had horrific anxiety and the ONLY thing that has helped is HRT.

Show quote history

This! Also - as my Gp said to me - what’s the more immediate risk, jumping off a bridge because you’re feeling so so low, or a slightly increased risk of something occurring in another ten + years. There’s lifestyle factors and genetics to consider but for most women it really is most beneficial. Even protects you losing your bone density. It really is a wonder. I would most definitely not be here if I hadn’t been given HRT. I was past breaking point.

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 22:21

MyDreamyRoseOrca · 30/04/2025 21:00

I didn’t. I think it actually prevented me from getting the famous apple shape. Full disclosure I did lose weight on mounjaro. I noticed in perimenopause I couldn’t shift the weight so I did that. I am a slim build and just felt unhappy so this did work. But no the HRT hasn’t made me gain weight. And even if it does, not being on it and suffering as a result doesn't weigh up to a few pounds. If that’s what you’re scared off then read up on the many benefits you’ll get from it. You’ll be fine. There’s no need ti go through all this and feel the way you do.

Show quote history

Thank you for your message and kind words and reassuring me. I will give it a go x
I really appreciate all your support 🙏 God bless you 🙏

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 22:23

NamechangeJunebaby · 30/04/2025 21:38

This! Also - as my Gp said to me - what’s the more immediate risk, jumping off a bridge because you’re feeling so so low, or a slightly increased risk of something occurring in another ten + years. There’s lifestyle factors and genetics to consider but for most women it really is most beneficial. Even protects you losing your bone density. It really is a wonder. I would most definitely not be here if I hadn’t been given HRT. I was past breaking point.

Show quote history

Thank you for your message 🙏 I do under what you are saying and appreciate all your help and support. God bless you 🙏

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 22:25

NamechangeJunebaby · 30/04/2025 21:31

You won’t know unless you try it. Please do try - it’s low risk nowadays for most people. The dr will start you on what they think is the best dose. They can increase it if needed. It really helped me and I increased my citaloptam dose at the same time and it really did work wonders. Persevere - within three - four weeks I felt like a different person. I had no hot flushes, but the anxiety and brain fog was through the roof and I was suicidal. I’d been through MP and was actually post menopausal and it explained why my life had been such a shit show for the previous 7 years. And the insomnia was wearing me down.

Just try it and see how you feel after a few weeks.

Show quote history

Thank you for your message and reassurance and encouragement 🙏 I really appreciate it.
God bless you 🙏

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 22:30

Pigsears · 30/04/2025 21:17

When you feel anxious, what normally helps? Cause do that alongside suggestions for HRT.

For me, cold shower, walk outside, texting a friend, tidying something (a drawer- nothing too big as I get overwhelmed..)

I use the patches. I'm happy with them - for me they help with hot flushes.

Thank you for your message.
Nothing really helps to be honest. I'd loved to phone or text my friends but I don't feel like doing it as it makes me very anxious. I don't like showering and have to Really push myself to have a shower. I would love to go for walks but I just get so overwhelmed when I try to leave the house. Nothing makes me feel better xx

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 30/04/2025 22:33

GlitchStitch · 30/04/2025 21:07

I can't advise on HRT. However I really struggled with anxiety, OCD and intrusive thoughts. I tried various antidepressants and the only one that has worked for me is venlafaxine. It has literally given me my life back. Might be worth discussing with your GP.

Thank you for your message and support 🙏 I have tried antidepressants but unfortunately they don't work for me as they make me feel so much worser off xx

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 01/05/2025 15:29

ExtraOnions · 30/04/2025 09:13

Talk to the menopause specialist at the GP .. it will most probably be a Nurse Practitioner.

Just because HRT didn’t help some people’s anxiety, doesn’t mean it won’t help your - I felt a hundred times better

Are the risks of taking HRT greater than the risk of your anxiety that you are currently living with?

Have you had blood tests done, to look at your hormone levels?

Hi, thank you for your message and kind words and all your support. I had my levels checked but it was showing as progesterone low and everything else was fine. But I disagree with this as my symptoms are very severe.
I'm really struggling with the severe symptoms 😢 xx

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 01/05/2025 15:34

NewPlumCat · 01/05/2025 15:29

Hi, thank you for your message and kind words and all your support. I had my levels checked but it was showing as progesterone low and everything else was fine. But I disagree with this as my symptoms are very severe.
I'm really struggling with the severe symptoms 😢 xx

Show quote history

And ladles have told me they've gained so much weight using HRT which I wasn't even aware of. I put on nearly 4 stones since 2023, this was when my periods stopped and I don't want to put on any more weight by suing HRT. I'm already overweight and am eating very less and very healthy and trying very hard to lose the weight and don't think I want to put on any more xx

OP posts:

ForeverDelayedEpiphany · 01/05/2025 16:07

NewPlumCat · 01/05/2025 15:29

Hi, thank you for your message and kind words and all your support. I had my levels checked but it was showing as progesterone low and everything else was fine. But I disagree with this as my symptoms are very severe.
I'm really struggling with the severe symptoms 😢 xx

Show quote history

Hi OP 👋

I'm in a similar position as you HRT-wise, but for different reasons.

I had a terrible head injury and post concussion syndrome a decade ago, before being injured permanently by an off label antipsychotic prescribed for severe insomnia and anxiety. It gave me a permanent neurological involuntary movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia that is like Tourette's and Parkinson's disease combined 😪

As a result, I'm pretty sensitive to lots of innocuous substances and medications that I wasn't before, as these exacerbate my involuntary movements and symptoms. I don't know if HRT might be something that would trigger a wave of my movement disorder symptoms, but for this reason, I'm terrified to try HRT.

I have already been suffering from horrid perimenopause symptoms for about 5 years now, and know at age 44 that it's not going to get much better 😳😢

So, I understand your anxiety and quandary for different reasons. I'm sure most GPs and even neurologists or gynaecologist won't be totally sure what HRT may (or may nor!) do to me, so i feel pretty stuck with the symptoms until I can find the courage to try something 😪😖

Movinghouseatlast · 01/05/2025 17:55

So you have really bad symptoms but afraid to try HRT because you don't want to put on weight? You'd rather put up with the symptoms than put on weight? Is that right?

HRT doesn't make people put on weight. The weight comes from being menopausal. Fat cells contain oestrogen so our bodies create more fat to get more oestrogen. That's why metabolism changes, thats why fat settles rou d the stomach- because the body is craving oestrogen

ThisWOMANWontWheesht · 01/05/2025 18:38

So you have really bad symptoms but afraid to try HRT because you don't want to put on weight? You'd rather put up with the symptoms than put on weight? Is that right?

Thats a little snippy @Movinghouseatlast .
Being very overweight in middle age is a massive health risk: heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, joint pains… it’s not about vanity. OP has already said she’s put on a lot of weight, so it’s understandable she wants to be careful about gaining any more.

All that said, you’re right that it’s not HRT per se that can cause weight gain in middle aged women; menopause itself, along with a slowing metabolism are more likely culprits.
OP I felt so much better - mentally and physically- after starting HRT that I had the oomph to get on a new exercise regime and diet, and became slimmer and healthier. I’ve stuck with it, too .

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 01/05/2025 22:59

ForeverDelayedEpiphany · 01/05/2025 16:07

Hi OP 👋

I'm in a similar position as you HRT-wise, but for different reasons.

I had a terrible head injury and post concussion syndrome a decade ago, before being injured permanently by an off label antipsychotic prescribed for severe insomnia and anxiety. It gave me a permanent neurological involuntary movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia that is like Tourette's and Parkinson's disease combined 😪

As a result, I'm pretty sensitive to lots of innocuous substances and medications that I wasn't before, as these exacerbate my involuntary movements and symptoms. I don't know if HRT might be something that would trigger a wave of my movement disorder symptoms, but for this reason, I'm terrified to try HRT.

I have already been suffering from horrid perimenopause symptoms for about 5 years now, and know at age 44 that it's not going to get much better 😳😢

So, I understand your anxiety and quandary for different reasons. I'm sure most GPs and even neurologists or gynaecologist won't be totally sure what HRT may (or may nor!) do to me, so i feel pretty stuck with the symptoms until I can find the courage to try something 😪😖

Show quote history

Hi, thank you for your message and kind words and support. I really appreciate it and I'm sorry to hear your story. I can understand how you feel and what you've been through. But please don't give up hope because there are many treatments that can make you better🙏 I promise you it will get better 🙏 please stay strong and positive. Sending you good thoughts🙏 God bless you 🙏

OP posts:

Original poster

NewPlumCat · 01/05/2025 23:03

ThisWOMANWontWheesht · 01/05/2025 18:38

So you have really bad symptoms but afraid to try HRT because you don't want to put on weight? You'd rather put up with the symptoms than put on weight? Is that right?

Thats a little snippy @Movinghouseatlast .
Being very overweight in middle age is a massive health risk: heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, joint pains… it’s not about vanity. OP has already said she’s put on a lot of weight, so it’s understandable she wants to be careful about gaining any more.

All that said, you’re right that it’s not HRT per se that can cause weight gain in middle aged women; menopause itself, along with a slowing metabolism are more likely culprits.
OP I felt so much better - mentally and physically- after starting HRT that I had the oomph to get on a new exercise regime and diet, and became slimmer and healthier. I’ve stuck with it, too .

Edited

Hi, thank you for your message and reassurance and support 🙏 I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I am not sure what I need to do as already you are aware I want to also go on HRT but I'm too worried about it causing me the weight gain x

OP posts: